Solar Panel Cost Guide in Heber, CA (2024 Update)
- Heber Solar Installation Cost: $6,745
- 25-Year Savings: $13,038
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Heber
We go over average solar pricing in Heber.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Heber typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Heber, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,745, or $9,645 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Heber depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Heber can save around $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Heber
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,929 |
| 3 years | $-4,299 |
| 5 years | $-2,668 |
| 7 years | $-1,037 |
| 9 years | $594 |
| 11 years | $2,225 |
| 13 years | $3,855 |
| 15 years | $5,486 |
| 17 years | $7,117 |
| 19 years | $8,748 |
| 21 years | $10,378 |
| 23 years | $12,009 |
| 25 years | $13,640 |
Top Solar Installers in Heber
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Heber, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Heber
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Heber
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Heber to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Heber homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Heber, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $24,480 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,029 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,772 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,709 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,840 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $69,166 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,687 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,401 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Heber, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Heber?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,321.23 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.